5 Oklahoma State Football Players With the Biggest Shoes to Fill in 2014

5 Oklahoma State Football with Big Shoes to Fill

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The Oklahoma State Cowboys will be introducing a good number of new players to fans in 2014. The Cowboys have such a young team that head coach Mike Gundy chose to replace the spring game with a controlled scrimmage to get the inexperienced players extra reps. Here are five of those players who have been tasked with replacing stars from last season.

5. James Castleman - Defensive Tackle

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5. James Castleman - Defensive Tackle

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James Castleman replaces all-Big 12 performer Calvin Barnett. The good news is Castleman is a senior and has experience. He will need to raise his play to Barnett's level this season with Oklahoma State being so young in other areas of the defense.

4. Ryan Simmons - Linebacker

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4. Ryan Simmons - Linebacker

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Ryan Simmons follows two stellar linebackers in Caleb Lavey and Shaun Lewis. Combine, these two players performed 165 tackles last year. In addition, Simmons will have to fill the leadership void with the departure of Lavey and Lewis. He will move from middle linebacker to quarterback the defense.

3. Kevin Peterson - Corner

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3. Kevin Peterson - Corner

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Replacing a first-round draft pick like Justin Gilbert won't be easy. That task falls to Kevin Peterson. The silver lining here is Peterson watched and learned while playing with Gilbert. He will be counted on to anchor one of the boundary corner positions as Oklahoma State breaks in several green corners.

2. Jhajuan Seales - Wide Receiver

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2. Jhajuan Seales - Wide Receiver

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Oklahoma State fans have been spoiled when it comes to the wide receiver position. Cowboys' faithful have seen Dez Bryant and Justin Blackmon run wild through Big 12 defenses. Last season Oklahoma State relied on the steady play of Tracy Moore and Josh Stewart. Both have moved on, leaving Jhajuan Seales to become the next great Cowboys receiver. Seales will have to handle the pressure that comes with playing such a high-profile position.

1. J.W. Walsh - Quarterback

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1. J.W. Walsh - Quarterback

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Last season Clint Chelf replaced J.W. Walsh and carried the team to six wins in Oklahoma State's final eight games. Chelf has graduated, leaving Walsh as the most experienced quarterback on the roster. He has competition lining up behind him, albeit inexperienced. The team's success will hinge on the play of Walsh. Can he handle the pressure?